Content

This unit will cover aspects of cellular biology and immunology that are important areas common to many biotechnological processes. Students will gain a deeper understanding of cell structure and function. Topics in cell biology will include structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, membrane structure and function, cell signalling and signal transduction, control of the cell cycle and apotosis. The immunology module will focus on key aspects of cellular and innate immunology. The innate immunology unit will cover the role of Toll like receptors and cytokines, and the cellular immunology unit will cover the role of B and T cells in adaptive immune response to disease. The module will also cover immunological techniques that are of particular value in biotechnology, including stem cells, transplantation and rejection, production of antibodies to specific proteins including phage display approaches and uses of antibodies in biotechnology.